My own Bi-polar condition has lead me to experience depression at first hand. I first planned my suicide as a 10 year old.
I have had a fascinating and sometimes precarious life but, surprisingly, have survived into moderate old age.
My sometimes manic personality lead me on a tumultuous path of success and failure, broken relationships, missed and created opportunities.
Along the way, I experienced death, bankruptcy, divorce, suicide, betrayal (lots of betrayal), obsessive behaviour, divorces, a debilitating heart condition and extreme alienation.
Over one, tortuous, 12 month period, I made the journey from being included in discussions at Whitehall, and rubbing shoulders with the High Rollers to living in my car.
Many times, I thought it was the end, as I spiralled into Chronic Depression but, eventually, I learned to survive by understanding and recognising the things that make and keep all of us healthy, and make us happy.
I gradually developed my own steps to recovery and good mental health. An holistic philosophy with the priority being understanding what is needed to Avoid Depression rather than get out of it.
Of course, I wrote the book 'Avoiding Depression' - eventually!
Although I've been involved in Counselling, one way or another for 25 years and have formal qualifications, I'm even a Senior Member of ACCPH, but that's not why you should see me.
If you need a Counsellor to Hang onto Your Sanity, Avoid Depression or just be Healthier and Happier.
MY MAIN QUALIFICATION IS: ----- UNDERSTANDING BASED ON EXPERIENCE !